"I SEE MUSIC AS A JOURNEY THAT NEEDS FOCUS AND THE ABILITY TO KEEP WORKING IN THE PATH GOD HAS CHOSEN" - ADEOLA ADEBISI OYINBO (DE-OLA)

Can we meet you?

My name is De-Ola, I'm a Gospel Music Artiste . I am married with three beautiful children, I was born into the family of five siblings and I'm the fourth born.

How did you get saved?

I got saved while I was on campus, I came from a Muslim background and I gave my life to Christ in my third year.

 You are a Gospel  Artiste , how did this talent come to light?

I was singing even before I gave my life to Christ, My father sings very well, my Grandma sang too, before she died,a very talented singer I must say.

Did you ever at any point feel like you were not good enough at any point in your musical career?

There is no time I ever felt like giving up in ministry ,one thing I've been able to do for my self is to know that there is no success story without a past, I see music as a journey that needs focus and the ability to keep working in the path God has chosen, there won't ever be a day of regret even though there are different challenges but your connviction keeps you moving on.

How would you describe your music genre or style?

I do not sing a particular genre of song, be it raggae, Yoruba. God  has blessed me in that way.

These songs come mostly in the place of prayer and worship.

Away from music what else do you get up to?

I work too, I'm an MD of an Engineering company, I really do not only sing but i also work.

How long have you been singing?

I've been singing in the choir right from school, almost fifteen years now.

What is your philosophy of life and what is the highlight of your life that has been greatly instrumental in your life as a Christian?

I believe so much in God, that if the lord is on your side you can be anything.

Life is a fleet and we are here to live purpose.

Who do you look up to in the Music industry?

I look up to Sinach alot, because she is one of those ministers that inspired me to do much when I joined this ministry.

How would you describe the Music industry as a Gospel Artiste and what can we do  do better?

Music ministry is really thriving now, I can look back and tell this was not where we were five years back and this is not where we will be five years coming, even the most secular guys know that these guys are coming and they are coming strong.

So tell us, which do you consider the best song you’ve released so far and why?

A lot of times I've been asked this question and it's difficult to say this, If you listen to my song then everything is a huge blessing, so I really can't tell which one of these is my best right now, though there is a new release soon and I'm thinking this is going to be one of the best but the truth is I really don't have a best song amongst my songs ,everything has been beautiful

You released a new song, "BREATH" on your birthday last month. Do you have any new project we should look out for?

Definitely!

I've been working on a concert but the covid-19 pandemic held us back, just waiting on the right time to launch.

One message for your fans out there and aspiring Gospel musicians as yourself.

To all my fans, thank you for believing in me, if you are out there aspiring to be a Music minister or artist I pray for strength and also pray, pray and pray hard, it can only be made possible in the place of prayer.

ACERAPPER B-CLASSIC TALKS MUSIC WITH SARIMA MAGAZINE.

Can we meet you?

My name is Beete Lezua Gabriel Pyagbara musically known as AceRapper B-classic. A Contemporary Gospel Rap Artiste based in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

 How did you get saved?

I got saved by personal conviction after going through tough times.

 You are a music minister how did this talent come to light?

My talent came to light through my active participation in church activities.

. Did you ever at any point feel like you were not good enough?

At the very beginning I always knew i was a star that the world was yet to see.

 How would you describe your music genre or style?

I would describe my music genre and style like a pizza with a mix of various contemporary genres with a unique appeal that tells a different story.

What's your creative process like?

My creative process comes from life’s experiences, challenges of contemporary times, and deep revelation of God’s word.

Away from music what else do you get up to?

Away from music I get up to living life doing my bit in contributing to society and chasing my other passions.

How long have  you been singing?

I’ve been singing for over ten years, but professionally I’ve sang for three years now.

What's your philosophy of life and what has been the highlight of your life that has been greatly instrumental in your life as a Christian?

My philosophy has always been to strive for what I believe in, set goals and I can achieve them. The highlight of my life was in 2008 when I got admitted into the university and my Dad who was my supposed sponsor had a stroke which got him bedridden and I lost hope on how to carry on through life and school, but God showed up in ways I couldn’t explain to wipe my tears away. I went through school like a king. My whole perspective about God changed and that was my turning point in faith as a Christian.

 Who do you look up to in the music industry?

I look up to several inspiring figures in the Gospel music community, but now  I’m a whole new star and the Holy Spirit inspires me more.

 How would you describe the music industry as a gospel artist and what could be don better?

I would describe the Gospel Music Industry as a growing one that needs tremendous support from the church for it’s propagation.

Which do you consider the best song you have released so far and why?

I would consider “JARA” as the best song I’ve ever released judging by it’s success rate and global acceptance.

 Do you have any new projects we should look out for?*

I am currently working on an 

extended play project (EP) coming out later this year which the world should look out for.

One message for your fans out there and aspiring gospel musicians as yourself.

My message to fans out there: the best of me is yet to come, keep the love and support coming. To young aspiring Gospel musicians out there: it is only what you do for God that lasts forever, every other thing fades with the passage of time, stick to the path.

Thanks for your time.

DEALING WITH JEALOUSY.

The English Dictionary defines jealousy as the feeling of envy towards another.

This trait could be very destructive and consuming. The Bible warns against the feeling of jealousy, though it is almost inevitable as humans but knowing what jealousy is and how to cope with it is something we should learn in order to maintain a healthier relationship with our friends, family and relationships.

Although it is normal to desire to be in successful places at different levels of our lives, but to allow oneself get consumed by such a distressing and negative emotion is damaging.

In your attempt to learn more about jealousy and what triggers the feeling, you have to find out more about its most basic categories which includes:

The healthy jealousy : this is  not considered to be harmful as it is not difficult to deal with and overcome because it is only mild and occasional .

The destructive jealousy: this is something we should avoid as it makes one feel jealous in an intense irrational and frequent manner even the Bible condemns this type of jealousy in James 3:14-16 which says But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. [James 3] This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. [James 3]For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

If we must live a life of utmost satisfaction then we have to learn to control and deal with this emotion.

Here are a few tips  that help us deal with jealousy;

1. Get clear on what living with a purpose means to you. Eccl 3:1: Sometimes, we catch ourselves living each day as it comes without plans or strategies to make the day count and this makes us get envious cause we get idle and in turn dwell on the success of others without achieving our own goals. It is very wrong to live each day without a clearer understanding of what your purpose is. Find out who you truly are and work hard towards becoming that person God created you to be and you wouldn't have any room for jealousy in your heart because you'd be content.

2. Brainstorm on new ways to become more intentional with your time and habit Eph5:15-17, Jere 1:5:

You know what they say about an idle mind being the devil's workshop? I dare say, the major reason you feel jealous is because there is no vision map for your life because there is no way you'd be intentional about yourself.

3. Identify your priorities and focus on your strength and work on them Matt 6:33: when you set your priorities right, you’d be so concentrated that distraction becomes impossible.

4. Understand that jealousy is a wasted emotion and it is destructive James 3:14-16: if you know how much jealousy would cost you, you wouldn't want to activate that emotion at all James 3:16 made it very clear “ For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” Clear your heart of every envy and jealousy in order to strike a balance and live a fulfilled life.

5. Learn to be content, satisfied and grateful for what ever you have 1Tim 6:6-12: in my experience, I can tell you that the root of jealousy is discontentment, dissatisfaction and ingratitude . In order to cleanse your heart of jealousy, it is necessary to cultivate the habit of genuine gratefulness and satisfaction. All you have to do to do is express gratitude to God as Apostle Paul instructs in 1thes 5:18 “ In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

6. Grow closer to God and become more assured of the potential He placed within you Heb 4:8: The Best way to deal with jealousy is to pray about it and as you constantly speak to God in prayers, you begin to conform to the image of Christ and when that happens jealousy will no longer dwell within your hearth.

If your jealousy is directed to a particular person or a group of people, make an effort to shower that person or people with love and pray for God’s blessings over them. When we bless others, it releases love in our hearts towards them. Luke 6:28 says “ bless those that curse you and pray for those that mistreat you.”

When we are jealous towards someone, we view them as someone who is cursing us so this same principle applies. Again it might feel imperfect at first but as you obey the scripture God will meet you in your act of obedience and change your heart.

Here’s one parting thought proverbs 14:30 says that “Envy rots the bones.”

More and more medical studies are proving that when we harbor ill will, it actually affects us physically. God is a loving father and He wants you to overcome this sin for His glory and for your own well-being and happiness.

Staff Writer, Fortune Emenike